The protest is in response to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, owner of the hotel chain, unveiling Sharia law in Brunei that allows for the stoning, amputation or flogging of those found guilty of adultery or homosexuality.
“These policies, which among other things could permit women and LGBT Bruneians to be stoned to death, are heinous and certainly don’t represent John’s values,” Legend’s publicist, Amanda Silverman, said in a statement. “John does not, in any way, wish to further enrich the Sultan while he continues to enforce these brutal laws.”
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The Embassy of Brunei in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the pervasive protests against the Sultan’s policies.
Brunei is small nation on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia and is bordered by Malaysia. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate, according to the CIA Factbook. In 1984, it become independent. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries and has one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia because of its crude oil and natural gas reserves.
